Vadim Shabliy, the agent of Mykhailo Mudryk, has shot out at rumours his client will leave Chelsea anytime soon, saying the Ukrainian is committed to his ultimate goal of becoming a regular fixture in Enzo Maresca's starting line-up.
Signed for £88m two winters ago after the Blues beat rivals Arsenal to his signature, Mudryk arrived at Stamford Bridge with great expectations. A positive substitute debut against Liverpool provided further excitement but nearly two years later the player is yet to match the hype.
In 73 total Chelsea appearances the 23-year-old has 10 goals and nine assists to his name. 15 of those have come under Enzo Maresca, though in the Premier League he is finding opportunities to start matches hard to come by.
That is because competition for places is at an all-time high, so the possibility of an end to his Blues troubles has been talked about. But Mudryk tied himself to an eight-year deal when signing, six of which remain, and Shabliy states that he intends to honour that agreement.
"Of course, players like Misha will always attract the attention of other clubs and their scouts," the agent told The Evening Standard. "He is one of those football players who, thanks to his playing qualities, can influence the outcome of a match.
"He feels the game, knows how to take responsibility, and makes quick decisions. But at the moment he has a contract with Chelsea, and all his thoughts are about how to secure his place in the starting XI."
Since Mudryk arrived, Chelsea have released a number of attackers but have then signed a further nine, including loan signings. Maresca has tended to operate with a front four so far this season - with Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto seemingly his favoured quartet.
All of them, bar Neto, have outscored Mudryk, though Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix - also fighting for a spot - have struck more times this season too.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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